AB-1549 • 2026

Alternative domestic violence program.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Krell
Last action: 2026-03-17
Official status: In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details about how the alternative programs will operate or what conditions they must meet, leaving these aspects unclear.

Alternative Domestic Violence Program for Sacramento County

The bill allows the County of Sacramento to offer alternative counseling programs instead of batterer's programs for people convicted of domestic violence, extending this authorization until July 1, 2030.

What This Bill Does

Adds Sacramento County to a list of counties that can offer special counseling programs instead of batterer’s programs for individuals convicted of domestic violence if the program meets specified conditions.
Extends the time when these alternative programs are allowed until July 1, 2030.

Who It Names or Affects

People in Sacramento County who are ordered to complete counseling after being convicted of domestic violence.
The probation department and other agencies that manage these programs.

Terms To Know

Batterer’s program: A special kind of counseling for people who have hurt others in their family or home.
Alternative program: Another type of counseling that can be used instead of a batterer’s program if certain conditions are met.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify the details of how these alternative programs will work or what they should include.
It is unclear which other counties besides Sacramento might get similar permission in the future.

Bill History

2026-03-17 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-03-16 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 75. Noes 0.)
2026-03-11 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
2026-03-10 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (March 10).
2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on PUB. S.
2026-01-08 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 7.
2026-01-07 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1549, as introduced, Krell.
Alternative domestic violence program.
Existing law requires that the terms of probation granted to a person who has been convicted of domestic violence include, among other things, successful completion of a batterer’s program or, if a batterer’s program is not available, another appropriate counseling program, as specified. Existing law requires the probation department to design and implement an approval and renewal process for batterer’s programs and prescribes the requirements of a batterer’s program. Existing law, until July 1, 2026, authorizes the Counties of Napa, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Yolo to offer an alternative program for individuals convicted of domestic violence if the program meets specified conditions.
This bill would additionally authorize the County of Sacramento to offer an alternative program for individuals convicted of
domestic violence. The bill would extend the repeal date of these provisions to July 1, 2030.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF